De facto Tskhinvali gov’t announces seizure of ‘large amount of weapons’ from illegal traffickers
The de facto security agency of Georgia’s occupied Tskhinvali region has provided a photo of the seized weapons. Photo: de facto security agency of Tskhinvali.
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The de facto security agency of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region says that “a large amount of weapons, ammunition and explosives” have been seized from illegal arms traffickers in the first half of the year.
The agency reports they have seized:
- Two hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher RPG-26.
- 15 shots for the RPG-7 manual grenade launcher and five for the mounted SPG-9.
- 25 VOG-25, RGD-5 and F-1 fragmentation grenades.
- Cumulative magnetic mine.
- More than 1,000 automatic and rifle cartridges of various calibers.
The agency reports that combating illegal arms trafficking is among the top priorities and is punishable by four years in prison, or a fine of 1,300 USD.
The seized weapons. Photo: de facto security agency of Tskhinvali.
If an individual voluntarily submits weapons, he will be exempted from criminal liability, the agency reports.
The Tskhinvali region was recognised as an independent state by Russia after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
However, Georgia and the international community say that the region is occupied by Russia.
The region is beyond the control of the central government of Georgia and any international mission.
The Georgian State Security Service writes in its 2018 report that Russian forces tried to use the two occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) to conduct clandestine, illegal operations.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze says that the increased militarisation of the two occupied regions of Georgia Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) by Russia is alarming and Georgia is in need of the support of the international community.
The Russian 58th army is conducting drills in Georgia’s occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region, with the involvement of local "operative groups and divisions”, Russian and Tskhinvali media reports.
An investigative story of the Washington Post reads that the Georgian occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region has become a hidden financial crossroads for Russia’s shadow empire around the Black Sea.
Russia is conducting military exercises in Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, Russian media outlets report.